[Question #12914] puncture from sharp object
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3 months ago
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I sat on a public bench on a sewing pin that was folded and upright. I may have bled a little. This was in an urban area and there were people sitting on the bench immediately before I sat down. There was no visible blood on the pin, but it did penetrate my skin. 1.)What percentage would you estimate my risk for contracting HIV/Hepatitis to be assuming there was fresh blood on the pin and it cause me to bleed a tiny bit? And 2.) Do I need to take PREP or undergo any STD/Medical testing?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
3 months ago
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Welcome to our Forum. Thanks for your questions. I'll be glad to comment. The estimated risk of acquiring HIV from a needlestick from a hollow needle which has been used by a person with untreated HIV is 0.3% (i.e. less than one in 300). Your risk of infection is far lower than that because:
1. The needle you were stuck with was not hollow and, as a result would be less likely to transfer blood to you
2. It is statistically unlikely that the needle you were stuck with had previously stuck a person with untreated HIV.
Considering these factors, your risk for HIV is very, very low, less than 1 in 10,000 (i.e. there is a 99.99% chance you were not infected.
If I saw you in my clinic after this event, I would urge you not to worry and, if you are concerned to test in the future (after 6 weeks) to address any residual concerns. Other, more conservative persons might suggest taking HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) with anti-HIV medication as long as less than 72 hours has passed since the exposure. PEP is of no value after 72 hours.
I hope this information is helpful. EWH
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3 months ago
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Dr. Hook, thank you so much for your response, it has brought me huge relief. Are the risks for hepatitis specifically and/or other blood infections the same statistically? To summarize, you would recommend against taking PEP given the 1/10,000 risk and to get tested in 6 weeks if my anxiety hasn’t subsided?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
2 months ago
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Correct. Sorry for the delay. EWH---